Looking for advice from a LV local or frequent traveller please:)

We are looking to elope (just the two of us) on September 19th and are hoping to book our wedding date very soon. We are going to have a small ceremony at the valley of fire and then some photos done on the strip afterwards in front of the LV sign and hotels. I am not sure what time to book our wedding for though? I am thinking either first thing in the morning or for sunset.

Reasons for sunset - Everyone says that the valley of fire is BEAUTIFUL at sunset and I would love to see that and have pictures with that backdrop. - By the time we got to the strip after hopefully it would be getting dark and the casino lights and Bellagio fountains would be going for pictures?

Reasons for early morning - Temperatures could be a little lower. Pictures are not so great if you don't have any makeup left and are as red as a lobster. - I am guessing the strip will not have as many people on it at about 11am which would be good for me and my husband to be who are both shy and not huge picture people (but don't want to miss out on great opportunity...you only wear the dress once).

I would really, really appreciate any advice please!!! We still don't know what company we are booking with either so if anyone has any suggestions for that it would be appreciated too!

Valley of fire is sooooo beautiful but hot!! Septemeber is still hot and if you do early morning then you have to get out in time. Evening is nice but still warm until about 5 or so. It is a hard choice. It is before daylight savings time so it will be bright pretty late.

The fouuntains would be an amazing place to take pictures at night!

The strip is less crowed in the AM and really crowded in the evening/afternooon no matter which day it is.

so hard to choose. I am a local so please let me know if you have any other questions if if I can help in any way!

I would talk to your photographer about where and when to take photos. Being one myself and knowing many others, I can tell you most photographers will say that light is the most important thing. Being a former Las Vegas local as well (5 years!) I can verify that it does get very crowded at the fountain shows and you will most likely have people in the background. Also, you can check google images and search "wedding photos bellagio las vegas" or something like that and see what comes up as if it's posted on the internet you can see what other people have gotten there and if it's what you want. Good luck!

Toner Photography : Click to Enter was my photographer and she did amazing photos in Jan at Red Rock after our wedding and last week on the strip. She offers a 2-hour strip photo package for $495 with limo and you get all the photos on CD with rights. Our first one she was much more flexible on the budget for us so just ask.

As to the fountains, don't bet on it. Bellagio considers their property copyrighted and the minute security sees a professional photog out there you get kicked out. Trust me....

We took great strip photos in front of eiffel, NY Bridge, Caesars statues and columns and on the streets. It's easier for a photog and you during the day b/c you won't have to be as still and hold the poses so long as you would at night (due to the lighting).

We booked with Scenic Las Vegas Weddings. Tray was not available so we booked with his wife Melissa. I seen some of her pictures and they look good. She seems really nice too. We were not able to book for sunset unfortunarly...the valley of fire was booked so we are getting married at 4:30. It is going to be HOT!!! Has anyone worked with or heard of Melissa Tomsik?